Wrist & hand decisions — 2022

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary for the Veteran's right wrist disability and obstructive sleep apnea claims due to inadequate VA examinations. The Veteran needs new evaluations to determine if his conditions are related to his service-connected amputation of his right index finger.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his left wrist disability is denied, and the issue of service connection for a left-hand sensory disturbance as secondary to his service-connected wrist condition is remanded.

The Veteran's initial and increased ratings for migraine headaches, left wrist disability, and left ankle disability have been denied. The Veteran is currently receiving the maximum schedular rating for his headache disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetic peripheral neuropathy and carpal tunnel syndrome were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating from December 3, 2018 to April 16, 2020.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is granted as service-connected. High cholesterol and psychiatric disorders are denied. The remaining claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right wrist, left wrist, right elbow, and left elbow disabilities due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension is not related to his active service and denied the claim. The claims for initial disability ratings, left knee chondromalacia patella, right knee chondromalacia patella, gastroduodenitis, diverticulitis, and left wrist carpal tunnel syndrome are remanded due to inadequate examination reports.

The Veteran's left wrist disorder does not meet the schedular criteria for a TDIU, but there is sufficient evidence to substantiate that he may be unemployable due to this condition. The case is being remanded to the Director of Compensation Service.

The Veteran's cervical spine and right wrist disorders are remanded for additional medical opinions to determine if they were incurred in or caused by service.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions have been granted. The Board found that the evidence supported direct service connection for most of the claimed conditions.

The Veteran's carpal tunnel syndrome in both upper extremities was granted increased ratings, with the right upper extremity receiving a 30 percent rating prior to October 7, 2019 and no higher. The left upper extremity received a 20 percent rating prior to that date. As of October 7, 2019, both upper extremities were granted ratings of 30 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his severe peripheral neuropathy and vascular disease affecting his lower extremities, have resulted in a loss of use of both lower extremities. The Board has determined that the Veteran is eligible for specially adapted housing due to these conditions but not for special home adaptation or adaptive equipment.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for right shoulder, left wrist, left arm, and left foot disabilities due to a lack of adequate VA examinations. The Veteran is asked to provide information about his medical providers and any records they may have.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for left hand disability due to inconsistencies in medical evidence and need for further examination.

The Board has granted service connection for gastritis, bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, and left third digit extensor tendonitis. However, the issue of entitlement to TDIU cannot be adjudicated until these conditions are assigned disability ratings.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right wrist disability, left ear hearing loss, and an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for GAD with Tourette's syndrome due to failure to report for VA examinations without good cause. The claim for right wrist disability was denied as there is no probative evidence linking the current disability to service. The claims for left ear hearing loss and right ear hearing loss were denied because there are no audiometric findings of record showing a current disability. The claim for GAD with Tourette's syndrome was denied due to failure to report for an examination without good cause.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development, including service connection claims and increased rating claims. The Veteran's hearing loss claim was denied as his hearing did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation. His right hand carpal tunnel syndrome claim had its initial evaluation increased to 30% effective September 23, 2017, but remains in appellate status due to lack of full grant of benefits sought.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and earlier effective dates have been withdrawn.,The Veteran's appeals for initial disability ratings in excess of 50 percent for PTSD, gastroesophageal reflux disease with Barrett's esophagus, and sleep apnea have been remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of left and right ankle conditions, as well as a low back condition and sleep apnea are denied. The claim for the right wrist condition (flexor pollicis tendon repair) is remanded.,There is no evidence of current disabilities in any of the claimed conditions.